Students will learn to respond to a title  Formal Elements

Students will learn to look deeper at a given title, responding creatively with materials and ideas.

Students develop photographic skills linked to Leading line, Rule of thirds, Photoshop – Layering, Macro

Students will build and refine their ability to link materials to an artist/art movement, developing their knowledge and ability to analyse artist work to produce an image based on Formal Elements.

A student that consistently demonstrates the ability to control materials with confidence. 

A student that shows understanding of artists work through concise and insightful annotations.

An ability to connect ideas and draw comparisons from artists studied, techniques and medias used. 

An ability to present ideas, photographs and development through a highly creative portfolio of work.

Each media used (pencil tonal drawing/ acrylic painting/pastel study/etc.) will be graded by the teacher at regular intervals, feedback is provided in a written sheet kept with students portfolio.

"Adorn, Decorate, Embellish"  

Students will study photographers who enhance or transform everyday objects, people, or environments through decoration and embellishment. 

This theme provides a creative opportunity for students to experiment with various techniques, materials, and styles, while considering concepts like beauty, identity, and cultural representation. 

How to use photography to communicate complex themes such as identity, beauty, and destruction. 

- Explore experimental photography techniques (both analog and digital) and how to manipulate and transform images to reflect their concepts. 

- Practice working with models and develop their ability to stage scenes that convey powerful, conceptual messages. 

- Reflect on the impact of their work, thinking critically about how their images will engage and challenge their viewers. 

Showcase a deep understanding of the theme of adornment and destruction with original and insightful conceptual development. 

- Demonstrate advanced technical skills in both photography and digital manipulation. 

- Evoke an emotional or intellectual response from the viewer, with striking images that convey both aesthetic and conceptual depth. 

- Reflect strong self-reflection and evaluation, demonstrating the student’s ability to analyse their work and engage critically with their process and the work of studied artist Rankin. 

- Feature a unique personal voice and a willingness to take risks, resulting in work that feels fresh, innovative, and impactful. 

Against the AQA Assessment criteria: 

- AO1 (Develop ideas): Students will research Rankin's "Destroy" project, analyze his techniques, and develop their ideas by creating initial studies, mood boards, and sketches. 

- AO2 (Refine ideas): Students will experiment with different photographic techniques and materials to refine their concepts of destruction and transformation. 

- AO3 (Record ideas and observations): Students will use their sketchbooks to document their reflections, experiments, and critiques of their work as it progresses. 

- AO4 (Present final response): Students will produce a final photographic project that communicates their personal response to the theme of destruction, demonstrating their understanding of Rankin’s work while bringing their own creative ideas to life. 

Students will choose a title from a past exam paper, responding creatively with materials and ideas.

Students refine skills in a range of photographic media of their choice and consider the presentation of their idea

Students will develop and refine their ideas, documenting the process in their electronic portfolio.

Students will link artists/ Photographers/ Graphic designers work and ideas to their own to help support the development of their portfolio of work.

Students will produce an outcome in a 5 hour exam, which will include creating a final image 2D/3D.

A student that consistently demonstrates the ability to control materials with confidence, pushing creative boundaries. 

A student that shows understanding of artists work through concise and insightful annotations that link clearly to the development of their own artwork.

An ability to connect ideas and draw comparisons from artists studied, techniques and medias used. 

An ability to present ideas and development through a highly creative risk taking portfolio and final outcome.

Students will be given guidance and regular feedback from the teacher, provided in a written sheet kept with students portfolio.

The final outcome for the project will be graded using the four assessment objectives and fed back to the students in their GCSE mock results.

Students will engage with the theme (e.g., "movement," "identity," "structure," etc.) and explore different ways to interpret it through photography. 

They will focus on research and inspiration, looking at relevant photographers and artists whose work aligns with or informs their theme. 

Students will also need to demonstrate their ability to generate original ideas and approach the theme in a personal way. 

The student’s response to the theme is original, meaningful, and personal, demonstrating a deep understanding of their concept and a strong narrative. 

The student shows mastery over photographic techniques, including camera settings, lighting, composition, and post-processing, all of which serve to enhance the work’s impact. 

The work is infused with the student’s unique artistic voice, and their ability to reflect critically on their process and outcomes is evident. 

The final piece is visually compelling, technically flawless, and demonstrates a high level of refinement. The work communicates a clear concept or message and is professionally presented. 

The student demonstrates a broad understanding of photography history and context, using this knowledge to influence and enrich their own work. 

Students work will be assessed against AQA Assessment Objectives, feedback will be given throughout the development period leading up to the final exam 

The final unit including exam piece will be marked and moderated by teachers then externally moderated by exam board.